I have been on SSDI since I was 29, I'm now 43. It took about 7 months but I got back pay from the day I filed. I guess I was one of the "lucky" ones to get approved my first go around but I was VERY detailed in my paperwork submitted and I kept a lupus journal on how I felt each day. Since then they have looked at my case 3 times..the last time they tried to stop my payments but I appealed it. It's very important to have a written letter from your rheumy or doctor that says you are no longer able to work any kind of job...otherwise they may still view you as able to work a different job from what you have now or part time. I've always submitted my own documents but I know alot of people who file have difficulty getting approved and find that getting a lawyer is best. It's probably alot less stressful than doing it yourself too.

Joanne where are u from? It took them like 2yrs to find it i havent worked in a year but my specialist just advised me to file so she told me to get an attorney right from beginning so i did and i have my apt the end of this month

If you are going to file do it soon. I used to drive truck and eventually got to the point when I could no longer pass the medical so I lost my job. Thinking that I could rest and get stronger again I waited before applying. I guess I waited to long and even tho the courts agree about the disability they will not let me have it because I waited. It is not right in my opinion. I have worked my whole life and now that I need it they find a loophole to keep from giving it. If (and I pray you don't) get to the point where you can no longer work get an attorney and apply as soon as you stop working. Best of luck, hugs and God Bless.

I'm not so lucky... Been fighting since 2015. I didn't really know about these symptoms and that they were all tied together. At first, I just wanted to fix everything and go back to work. It's so bad, most of the time I can't even close a Ziploc bag. I tried getting SSDI without an attorney and was denied. Got an attorney- got denied. That attorney who promised to appeal went and became a judge. No luck. Trying again with one of the popular ones now. I filed February of 2017. Still waiting. I'm scared to be turned down again.

Jayne thanks for reply i do have an attorney my rhumey said she advised me to file and my attorney and ssi said i difnt need a letter from doctor cuz i have a very long medical record and they will request a complete a record. Im suppose to take what records i have to my apt thats it and my attorney said all me and my doctor have to do is prove that my sle happens at least 3 times a year which since ive been diagnosed back in august of 2017 all of the symptons ive had im still having and they have not went away even with medicine also more symptons just keep popping up